All work and no play makes summoners RAGE

EternalNoob·Sep 8, 2014·2 votes·803 views

So I just started high school a few weeks ago and I was so excited until my mom asked me to hand over my computer. Every Sunday night i give them my laptop for the whole week. I go to school an hour away. Ok so here is the problem.

I go to school at 5 am. I leave at 3 pm. I start driving home at 330 pm. I arrive at 430-500 pm. I usually have 1-2 hours of work. Then dinner at 730 and bed at 830. Most of the time, i finish work by the time we are home leaving me with about 4 hours to do nothing. I ask for my computer but they wont give it to me on a weekday no matter what. Even if they check our grades website and see that i am done with my work they dont give it. Any parents or anyone out there with advice? Tired

4 Comments

TulareSep 8, 20142 votes

Don't rage at your parents. It will not produce the results that you desire. I don't know how your relationship with your folks is but this seems like an opportunity to communicate and negotiate. You've assumed that your grades are what concerns them and you're probably correct. Speculating, I'd guess they're afraid that if they permit you computer time "if your work is done", then it gives you an incentive to do a hasty, careless job. If you want to approach them about it, then here are some specific steps I'd suggest:

Tell them that you'd like some computer time during the week.
State what you believe is their concern. Ask them to confirm/clarify.
Propose a moderate compromise. For example, explain/show them that a typical game of LoL is about 45 minutes and request one game a night, before dinner.
If they agree to your compromise, hold up your end of the bargain. Do not violate even the spirit of the agreement. If you have extra homework one night, don't rush it to make time for your game. Don't plead for a second game even if the first one is terrible. (If your team surrenders at 20 or something, I'd say it's probably fair to ASK for a second game but accept their decision.)
If they do not agree to your compromise, ask them if they have an alternate plan that would permit you some computer time.
Accept their decision. Getting into a fight over this is unlikely to get you what you want and will not build up the respect and trust from your parents that is crucial if you want more freedom in the future.

EternalNoobSep 9, 20141 votes

Thanks for the help. They said no even after i explained that this was my hobby and what i want to get better at. They said be better at something else.

I didn't push afterward but they don't understand that i could learn more from league than piano or something. If it were soccer they would say yes but not a game on the computer. I want to say more to them but i could possibly lose league forever if i do. I love the game but i can never play. On weekdays when I'm done with homework i am either watching videos to help me get good as a summoner or playing piano. Don't get me wrong i love piano and am very close to my parents, i just don't understand why video games aren't a viable hobby.

DaishøSep 9, 20141 votes

Yeah, i have the same problem here. Im not the smartest kid in the world, but i keep up with work and get A's. But parents don't know the similarities between team sports and video games. The other night i was talking to my parents, and they couldn't grasp the idea that in LoL, you need to use strategy, teamwork, and reflexes, just like a sport. I play lacrosse and constantly tell my parents, i do the same things in lacrosse as in LoL. But don't bug them, don't whine, and definitely don't keep pestering them about why you can't play. But highschool gets a lot harder, trust me. Just work out an argument. I asked my parents if i could play one or two games on tuesdays and thursdays, and they agreed, but only as long as you keep up your end. They just don't want there kids to become absolutely obsessed with the game. Hoped this helped. Maybe we could play sometime!

TulareSep 9, 20141 votes

Video gaming does not demand the same respect that other hobbies do and probably with good reason. There are many pastimes to which you could devote your attention that would also produce valuable benefits to you. The arts exercise your creativity bring joy to others. Athletics are good for your health. You might also consider volunteer organizations which develop empathy. These things also look good on a college application.

The difference, I think, is that as far as hobbies go, video games are rightly perceived mostly as an entertainment and very little as an enrichment. I suppose that your parents would prefer that your hobbies help play a role in developing your talents.

I have to admit to you that I'm probably closer to your parents' age than to yours. I can imagine motives for their decision that I admire. Although you may not realize it, the opportunity that you have in high school to determine what you're passionate about and begin pursing your life's work is extraordinary. Your parents are almost certainly trying to help you to avoid distractions so that you can seize that opportunity. Trust me, it is absolutely worth your while to take advantage of it.

(I know this sounds like an after school special but I'm absolutely serious.)